Another Lift question....I would like your help in the deciding what set-up to use!

[digmy76]

I am debating on running 33x12.50x15s and keeping my front fenders uncut (the rears have flares). What lift (body and susp.) are you guys that have this set-up running? Is this something that will be functional off road (not rock crawling, but some moderate to hard trails)? Or should I cut the front and slap on some flares and go with 35's? I would just hate to cut the fronts if this is something that is becoming more and more rare and if 33's would work just as well. FYI, I will also be using this rig on the road 2-3 times a week! I am thinking about 3 1/2 susp. lift and a 2" body lift. This is a 76, C4, 302. Will I need to modify the steering any to adjust for the change (someone told me that my stock steering could take the change because it was different in 76 & 77)? Is there anything else I need to consider? Sorry for all the questions but I am really close to buying all this stuff and I really don't wont to make any mistakes or end up regretting anything.

 

[Idaho Slim]

IMO I dont think bodylifts are a good idea. I used to run/work in an off-road shop and they were not only a install pain, but, I have seen many body metal that breaks out around the contact areas of the bodylift block causing a large mount of grief, If it were me, and I have a 76 w/35's. I would narrow it down to two choices dependant on what/how you decide on cutting the fenders.

If I cut the fenders, I would Go with 35's on 8 in rims, & WH's 5.5in lift w/11 pack springs and Extreme Coils, a wonderfull ride off-road & ON!. This is what i currently run.

If I wanted to not cut my fenders, I would go with the same lift combo & run 33's on 8 in rims....... which is what I had before. The reason i say stay with the same lift is to clear the uncut fenders.

 

[chuck]

I don't care for body lifts. Just put a 4.5" lift on it and cut the front fenders or install fiberglass fenders if you want to save the stock ones. You can't buy stock quality fenders any more but the after market ones aren't bad. I think you were miss lead about about the 76 steering. At best it was O.K. for the stock lift but if you go to 3.5"-4.5" you will have to replace the tierod with the older style or an aftermarket setup. I can agree with Idaho Slim about the 35" and 8" wheels but have to disagree about springs ;D

 

[edge4]

I run a 3 1/2" suspension with a 2" body and love it. I just added the body lift two weeks ago. I have found no stability problems, even with a rack and tire on top, on the street. (have not taken it on the rocks yet) The small body lift gives so much more working room under the truck(especially with a ZF tranny). I can't see where the 8 blocks put more stress than the existing 8 mounts.
As for the steering, I have a 76' which has a sliding shaft and two joints(rag at top,CV at bottom) and it works fine with a 2" body and no modifications. I didn't slide the steering forward or slot out the mounting plate. I have had no problems with binding at all and the sliding shaft still seems to have enough play.
edge